ASUU Distributes Abusive, Derogatory Pamphlets Against Okonjo-Iweala

The Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has condemned the distribution of pamphlets with abusive and derogatory words against her by those she called “some elements in ASUU.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

In a statement signed by the minister’s Aide Paul Nwachukwu and obtained by African Examiner, the minster expressed dissatisfaction over attempt to portray her as being insensitive to the plights of lecturers, students and their parents.

She added, “Contrary to some recent media reports, the Federal government has not adopted a take-it-or-leave-it approach in its negotiations with ASUU.”

According to her despite some positive steps that government is taking to resolve the crisis some elements in ASUU have been distributing pamphlets and flyers with abusive and inflammatory messages against her.

“Some elements in ASUU have been distributing pamphlets and flyers with abusive and inflammatory messages against the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in mosques and other places. This is taking academic unionism to a new low and infusing it with unnecessary politics” the statement noted.

One of the derogatory pamphlets against Okonjo-Iweala’s “controlled economy”

The statement further stated that : “Dr Okonjo-Iweala is the daughter of two retired professors and her father is presently a member of ASUU’s Board of Trustees and has been one for a long time. She speaks with her father everyday on the issue so how can be insensitive to issues concerning the sad state of tertiary education in the country?

“She understands and sympathizes with the plight of both students and lecturers. She wants our children back in school as soon as possible. Remember she is a mother and two of her young relatives are sitting at home due to the strike.

“This is why government is working hard, under the leadership of the President, to seek practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing higher education in Nigeria.

“The President has made available N100 billion a year in the first instance to repair hostels, laboratories and classrooms and other facilities. An offer has also been made to ASUU of N30 billion towards their earned allowances. In fact, negotiations have even gone further than this. This is the first time, in years of negotiating with government, that significant sums of money have been put on the table for ASUU and universities on this particular set of issues. The Coordinating Minister is fully part of this.

“Against this background, ASUU elements who want the strike to continue should have a heart and rethink their current take-it-or-leave-it approach to negotiation. Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the university system. And it is even ready to do much more going forward. ASUU should listen to the voice of reason and the yearnings of Nigerians on this issue.”